Iain Shearer

Iain Shearer FRAS is an archaeologist who has worked in the UK, Afghanistan, Caucasus, North Africa, Balkans, Israel/Palestine, Central Asia, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, China, Italy, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East over the last 25 years. Educated at University College London’s Institute of Archaeology, he is the former Sackler Scholar for Afghanistan and Iran at The British Museum and was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland in 2008. Iain has also led numerous lecture tours for The British Museum and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge across the Maghreb, Middle East, Turkey, Balkans, Syria, China, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Cyprus, and Central Asia.

(Photo by Vanessa Low)

Current Tours:

A Road Less Travelled  |  06 – 24 May 2025 (20 days)

Hidden Gems of the Western Balkans  |  June 2025 (18 days)

Testimonials:

“Iain’s talks, both formal and informal, were extremely informative and entertaining. He is a great storyteller and was unfailingly enthusiastic about the history and geography of the region.”
Heather S.  |  A Road Less Travelled, 2024

“Iain brought ancient sites and lifeways to life and added relevant context and broader historical and cultural background to the more locally-focused commentary of the local guides.”
Sylvia H.  |  The Golden Balkans, 2024

“Iain is an enthusiastic communicator. His knowledge of cultures, geography and history is outstanding.’’
Anne G.  |  Saudi Arabia, 2023

“His personable manner greatly enhanced the overall touring experience. We thoroughly enjoyed his stories and company.”
Garry B.  |  A Road Less Travelled, 2023

“Iain was beyond excellent in information lectures, sight details and religious commentary. He also went beyond the daily program, all this done with sensitivity and professionalism.’’
Ros G.  |  Journey Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan, 2022

“Iain is brilliant at animating material and physical objects. By sharing his wealth of professional experiences he provided a unique and fascinating experience.’’
Lisa G.  |  Ancient Greeks in Australia’s Capital, 2022

“Iain was so generous in sharing his incredible knowledge and was so engaging and charming too – it was an absolute pleasure to meet him!”
Margie A.  |  A Day at the new Chau Chak Wing Museum, 2020

“His enthusiasm for his subject is contagious.”
Jacqui S.  |  Land Beyond the Sunrise, 2019

“His descriptions, insightful comments and capacity to evoke the spirit of those sites in their heyday made them come alive, be meaningful and memorable.”
Sylvia H.  |  Land Beyond the Sunrise, 2019